Sheet delivery mechanism



June 9, 1964 H. E. PEYREBRUNE SHEET DELIVERY MECHANISM Filed June 27, 1961 IO N 3 Sheets-Sheet l m IO 2 [E INVENTOR.

HENRI E. PEYREBRUNE ATTORNEYS June 9, 1964 H, E. PEYREBRUNE 3,136,541

SHEET DELIVERY MECHANISM Filed June 27, 1961 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.

HENRI E. PEYREBRUNE ATTORNEYS June 9, 1964 H. E. PEYREBRUNE 3,136,541

SHEET DELIVERY MECHANISM Filed June 27, 1961 3 SheetsSheet 3 T i H 3 r w 'Y I INVENTOR. L HENRI E. PEYREBRUNE xx \x X BY 3 3 3 W 144% MvWzf ATTORNEYS United States Patent 3,136,541 SHEET DELIVERY MECHANISM Henri E. Peyrebrune, River Forest, Iii, assignor to Miehie-Goss-Dexter, Incorporated, Chicago, ill., a corporation of Delaware Filed June 27, 196i, Ser. No. 120,053 19 Claims. ((31. 271-68) The invention relates to sheet delivery mechanism and has reference in particular to improved sheet tensioning and control means which is operative for a period immediately prior to and following the release of the sheets by the delivery grippers whereby to facilitate the depositing of the sheets on the delivery pile.

The primary object of the invention is to provide novel suction holding and depositing units which will engage the underside of the printed sheets during travel of the sheets over the delivery pile and before release thereof by delivery grippers for the purpose of individually tensioning each sheet and controlling the same, whereby to facilitate the depositing of the sheet when the same is subsequently released.

A more particular object resides in the provision of suction holding and depositing units as described which will comprise a unique combination of elements having an improved mode of operation for engaging the sheets in the vicinity of their tail end and for tensioning them to a pre-determined degree, since the delivery grippers travel in a depositing direction at a faster speed than that attained by the units.

Another object of the invention is to provide suction holding and depositing units for incorporation in the delivery mechanism of a printing press and which will have bodily movement together with rotative movements simultaneously therewith. Movement of the units bodily in a delivering direction assists in tensioning the sheets, whereas the rotative movement of the units at this time are in a downward direction to assist in depositing the sheet on the delivery pile.

A more specific object of the invention is to provide sheet tensioning and control means which will employ sheet holding and depositing units such as described, and wherein the units will be carried by structure capable of imparting thereto the combined movements while at the same time maintaining the interior of the units at a pressure below atmospheric.

Another object is to provide sheet holding and depositing units having suction ports with which the sheets engage and which thus hold the sheets to the units, the said units additionally incorporating cover plates for opening and closing the suction ports automatically in synchronism with its movements so as to engage and release the sheets at the proper time.

A still further object is to provide sheet holding and depositing units which will be supported by a hollow cylindrical shaft, the said shaft having the additional function of connecting the units to a source of vacuum, and wherein the units are so mounted on the shaft as to have rotation with respect thereto, the shaft and thus the units being given bodily movement in a manner to produce ro-tative movements of the units only.

A further object is to provide structure as described and which will additionally incorporate flexible bands fixed to the shaft and to the units, respectively, for obtaining a more precise control of the rotative movements of the units.

Another object resides in the provision of sheet tensioning and control means embodying novel structure and having the improved mode of operation as described and which will be adjustable to accommodate sheets of various lengths and to permit precision adjustment for the most efiicient operation in connection with sheets of any particular length.

With these and various other objects in view, the invention may consist of certain novel features of construction and operation, as will be more fully described and particularly pointed out in the specification, drawings and claims appended thereto.

In the drawings which illustrate an embodiment of the device and wherein like reference characters are used to designate like parts FIGURE 1 is a sectional view taken longitudinally of a machine, such as a printing press, and which embodies the improved sheet delivery mechanism of the invention;

FIGURE 2 is a sectional view taken transversely of the printing press substantially along line 2-2 of FIG- URE 1 and which illustrates the driving shafts for operating and adjusting the suction holding and depositing units;

FIGURE 3 is an end elevational view of the structure of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 4 is a transverse sectional view taken substantially along line 44 of FIGURE 1 and showing sheet tensioning and control means including the improved suction holding and depositing units of the invention;

FIGURES 5A and 5B are detail sectional views taken substantially on line 55 of FIGURE 4 and showing a suction holding and depositing unit in its two extreme positions of operation;

FIGURES 6A and 6B are detail sectional views taken substantially along line 6-6 of FIGURE 4, and showing the action of the flexible band with the units in its two extreme positions of operation;

FIGURE 7 is a longitudinal sectional view taken through an end suction holding and depositing unit showing the interior valves for selectively closing the suction openings on one side of the unit to adapt the same to sheets of different widths; and

FIGURES 8 to 11, inclusive, are diagrammatic views illustrating the mode of operation of the units in tension. ing and depositing a sheet. 7

Referring to the drawings and particularly to FIG- URES l, 2 and 3, the embodiment selected for illustrating the invention is shown as applied to the sheet delivery mechanism of a printing press having side frame members 20 and 21 which journal a plurality of transverse shafts 22 to which are suitably secured spaced sprockets such as 23 and 24. The shafts are rotated by the conventional drive means for the printing press. The sprockets on each side of the press accommodate an endless delivery chain 25 which additionally passes over a third sprocket wheel, not shown, located adjacent the sheet delivery reel from which the sheets are received by the grippers 26 fixed to the chain mechanism, and which travel therewith upwardly and over the delivery pile 27 as determined by the chain guides 28. The sheets of the delivery pile are supported by the conventional support 30 and which is progressively lowered as the height of the pile increases. The grippers 26 are opened in order to release a sheet by the adjustable cam 31 having a location above and in approximate alignment with the front end of the delivery pile as determined by the stationary stops 32.

When the sheet is released by the grippers 26, it is travelling at high speed and if the sheet is not controlled it may strike the stationary stops 32 with such force as to damage the forward end of the sheet. Also, it is desirable to control the sheet to facilitate its deposit on the pile. Accordingly the invention provides sheet tensioning and control means in the form of suction units which engage the tail end of the individual sheets and before they are released by the grippers to assist in depositing the sheets on the delivery pile.

The structure includes a pair of shafts 34 and 35 located at each side of the press and which extend longitudinally of the delivery mechanism and approximately parallel to the top surface of the delivery pile 27. Both shafts are journalled for rotation by the brackets 36 and 37, and the top actuating shaft 34 is additionally mounted for axial reciprocation and the same is so actuated by cam means to be presently described. The shafts 34 and 35 are threaded, respectively, for a portion of their length at 38 and 39, and the guiding of the bottom run of the double width chains 25 in this area is effected by having the links 41, FIGURE 4, confined between spaced bars so as to travel in a longitudinal slot. The top bar 42, is secured to a boss 43 by the screws 44. The bottom bar 42 may comprise an extension of the guide rail 28 and which is likewise secured to the boss 43 by screws such as 44. A longitudinal slot is thus provided by the bars and which is located adjacent each side frame member for accommodating and guiding the delivery chains 25 in a horizontal path approximately parallel to the shafts 34 and 35.

Whereas shaft 35 is adapted to have rotation only for adjustment purposes, it will be understood and appreciated that shaft 34 is capable of reciprocation in addition to rotating, the latter movement taking place simultaneously With rotation of the shaft 35. Reciprocation of shaft 34 effects the combined bodily and rotative movements of the suction holding and depositing units, all in a manner as will be presently described. For reciprocating shaft 34 it will be observed from FIGURES 2 and 3 that a sprocket drive shaft 22 has suitably fixed thereto the crank member 45, the same being located on the shaft exteriorly of the side frame member 20. The connecting link 46 is pivotally joined at 47 to the crank arm 45 and at its opposite end the link is pivotally joined at 48 to the lever 50 suitably fixed to the extending end of shaft 51. Said shaft 51 extends transversely of the press, being journalled by the side frame members and 21, and thus the shaft is oscillated since lever St? is so actuated as the crank arm 45 is rotated. At respective ends of the oscillating shaft 51 FIGURE 2, there is suitably secured a yoke member 52 and which as best shown in FIGURE 1 has operative connection with the sleeve 53 fixed to shaft 34. The oscillating movement of shaft 51 is accordingly imparted to shaft 34 to cause back and forth reciprocating movement of said shaft.

For effecting rotation of the shafts 34 and 35 an actuating shaft 54 is provided, the same extending transversely of side frame members and 21 and being journalled thereby with the left hand end of the shaft extending beyond member 20 so as to receive the crank handle 55. The crank handle 55 is adapted to be actuated by the operator to rotate shaft 54 and which is transmitted by the meshing worm pinions 56 and 57 to shaft 35. Adjacent the right end of shaft as shown in FIGURE 1 is provided the elongated gear 58 and which is adapted to mesh with the gear wheel 60 fixed to shaft 34. Thus rotation of shaft 35 is imparted to shaft 34 and reciprocating movements of the latter shaft are provided for by extending the length of the gear 58.

Each shaft 34 carries an end housing member 62 which has connection with a flexible conduit 63 communicating with the suction side of a blower which is capable of displacing a large volume of air at a relatively low level of vacuum. The end housing members as have threaded securement, respectively, to their shaft 34, and each housing has fixed enclosing relation with its end of the hollow shaft 64. The hollow shaft, accordingly, extends transversely of the delivery mechanism of the press from end member 29 to end member 21, and since the shafts 34 are adapted to have reciprocating movement, it will be understood that the end housing members and the hollow shaft are reciprocated back and forth as a unitary assem i bly. The end housing members and the shaft 64 have sealing relation with each other so that the interior of the shaft is maintained at a suction pressure and which is communicated to the sheet holding and depositing units to be presently described.

The slide blocks tiS are respectively carried by the shafts 35, being threaded thereto and each slide block has interfitting relation with its end housing member 62 in a manner which permits reciprocating movement of the housing members with respect to the slide blocks which of course are held stationary during operation. A transverse bar 66 connects the spaced blocks and said bar provides a support for the stationary but adjustable stops 67, which determine the rear edge of the delivery pile. Each slide block has a rack 68 suitably secured thereto and each rack is disposed in a horizontal plane for meshing relation with a spur gear 70 provided by the end lever member 71. Each spur gear and end lever member provide an integral part or element, with the same being mounted on the fixed hollow shaft 54 for rotation relative to the shaft. Referring again to the transverse bar 66, it will be observed from FIGURE 1 that the bar has fixed thereto a plurality of brackets such as 72 which extend horizontally from the bar and then upwardly to support a static eliminator 73. A number of the brackets 72 are fixed to the bar in spaced locations along its length and thus the static eliminator extends transversely and the same has contact with the undersurface of the sheets as the same are moved by the chain conveyors to a position over the delivery pile. For supporting each sheet as it enters the area of the chain guides 28, a plurality of flexible supports 74 are fixed to the static eliminator 73 and the same depend therefrom in an arcuate downward direction. Although the supports 74 are flexible and have con siderable resiliency, they are effectively maintained in a depending position by the weights 75.

The end lever members 71 are connected by a rod 77 mounted by the levers for rotation relative thereto since the rod carries a plurality of the suction holding and depositing units of the invention. Each unit includes a cylinder 78 closed at its ends with the end members 79 thereof mounting its cylinder on the rod 77. Collars 8th are located at respective ends of each of the cylinders 78 and the collars are fixed to the rod 77 for positioning each cylinder on the rod and which may assist in sealing the interior of each cylinder from the atmosphere. A plurality of suction openings 81 and 82 are formed in each cylinder 78 and it will be observed from FIG- URE 5 that the row of openings 81 and the row of openings 82 are displaced from each other approximately 195 degrees in one direction and approximately 165 degrees in an opposite direction. The hollow shaft s4 is also formed with at least one row of suction openings such as 83 and the same are located between the bracket members Se, a pair of such members being located adjacent the ends of each cylinder 78. The bracket members are rotatably mounted on the hollow shaft 64 and provide additional journalling means for the rod 77.

Since it is necessary to maintain the exterior of the cylinders 78 at a suction pressure in order that the tail end of the sheet will be held to the cylinders by the suction openings 81, it will be observed that the invention 7 provides a pair of cover plates 35 and 36 for each cylinder 7%. These plates are formed from relatively thin flexible material and are secured to the bracket members 84- by means of the bolts 87. V

The cover plates and the bracket members form a substantially air tight chamber and which functions to connect the hollow shaft 64 in the vicinity of each row of openings 83 with one of the cylinders Accordingly, the vacum prevailing within the hollow shaft 64 is communicated to each of the cylinders 78 by the openings 83 and 8?. when the parts are positioned as shown in FIGURE 5A. Also, it will be appreciated that the cover plates 85 and 86 have sliding contact with the hollow shaft and with their particular cylinder which maintains an effective seal although permitting rotative movement of the cylinders to and from the positions as shown in FIGURES 5A and 5B as the shaft 64 reciprocates back and forth during operation of the delivery mechanism, all in the manner as will now be described.

As a pair of sheet grippers 26 enter the lower run of the delivery chains, they receive a sheet from the cylinder reel and the sheet is gripped at its forward edge. The grippers 26 then travel upwardly and presently enter the guides 28 which eventually brings the sheet into con tact with the static eliminator and whereby the body and tail end of the sheet is suitably supported by the flexible supports 74. At this point in the operating procedure, the hollow shaft 64 is located in a rearward reciprocated position as shown in FIGURE 1, and the cylinders 78 have an elevated operating position with the openings 81 in communication with the reduced pressure prevailing within the hollow shaft. Eventually the sheet is moved over the said cylinders 78 so that the sheet near its tail end is caused to adhere to the cylinders which now begin to move forwardly as a result of forward bodily movement of the hollow shaft 64. The cylinders also have a rotative movement in a counter-clockwise direction, FIG- URES l and 5. However, since the grippers on the chain mechanism are travelling at a faster rate than the cylinders, it will be understood that the sheet is accordingly tensioned and the same is maintained under such control until the grippers release the sheet over the delivery pile. It may be explained that the rotative action of the cylinders is effected by the rolling action which the spur gears 70 have on the stationary racks 68. Actually the movement of the cylinders is a combination of the bodily movement which the hollow shaft 64 has due to its forward reciprocation by the shaft 34 and the rotative movement which the cylinders have about the hollow shaft as an axis. The combined movement may be described as elliptical, as indicated in dotted lines in FIG- URE 5. The above described action of the parts in tensioning and in controlling the tail end of the sheet for depositing the same on the pile is illustrated in FIGURES 8 and 9. However, before the cylinders have reached their extreme rotative position as shown in FIGURE 5B, it will be understood that the cover plates will be so oriented with respect to the cylinders as to close the row of suction openings 81 and to open the row of openings 82 to the atmosphere. For an understanding of this action of the cover plates and cylinders reference is made to FIGURE 6.

FIGURE 6 illustrates an improved feature of the invention wherein flexible bands. are employed to obtain the desired positioning of the cylinders 78 during their movement to and from a sheet engaging and a sheet depositing position. During the travel between these two positions as illustrated in FIGURES 5A and 5B the openings 81 are maintained upright for contact with the sheet notwithstanding that the cylinders 78 have the combination of movements as described. This desired positioning of the cylinders is obtained by the flexible bands 90 and 91 which have a unique connecting relation with the rod 77 and with the hollow shaft 64 in a manner whereby the bands are located on opposite sides of the parts. The collar 92 is suitably fixed to shaft 77 and the flexible bands 99 and 91 are anchored to the collar as at 93, the connection being controlled for release or for adjustment by the L-shaped pin 94. The opposite end of each band is suitably fixed to a collar 95 of special shape and construction and which is suitably fixed to the hollow shaft 64. The bands 90 and 91 are anchored to collar 95 at 96 and 97 by similar L-shaped pins 93 and 99. The collar 95 has the special shape as shown in FIGURE 6 which provides outwardly tapering side walls and an armate top wall.

When the parts are positioned as shown in FIGURE 6A both of the flexible bands and 91 are relatively taut and the band 91 has a portion which passes over and contacts the rounded top surface of the collar 92. As the cylinders 78 move bodily in a counter-clockwise direction about the shaft 64 as an axis it will be seen that band 91 will wrap around the circular portion of the collar 95. Consequently, the collar 92 and therewith the rod 77 will be caused to rotate clockwise in the levers 71 and brackets 84 as the units move to the sheet depositing position of FIGURE 6B and the suction openings 81 will be maintained in their original angular position, i.e., substantially normal to the horizontal path of the sheets. It will be noted that, because of the special configuration of the collar 95, when the units reach the sheet depositing position of FIGURE 6B, the band 91 is still taut, but the band 96 has developed considerable slack.

On the return rotative movement of the rod 77 and the cylinders 7 8, the angular position of the cylinders and thus the openings 81 is controlled by the band 99. The slack in the band 9t) is purposely provided at the depositing end of the cycle so that the cylinders will remain in the position with the suction openings 81 closed by the cover plates 86 until the cylinders have moved out from under the sheet just deposited. Such action is necessary since if the openings 81 were exposed while the tail end of the deposited sheet is still over the cylinders, the sheet would again be caused to adhere to the cylinders and would prevent the cylinders from engaging and controlling the next succeeding sheet. The arrangement is such that the units will move through about 15 degrees of their return travel in a clockwise direction before the band 99 is effective to rotate the cylinders counter-clockwise with respect to the levers 71 so that the openings 81 will again be exposed to engage the next sheet and the openings 82 will return to within the vacuum chamber.

The cover plates 86 for the respective cylinders 78 perform the dual function of being inserted between the surface of the cylinder and the sheet in contact therewith for physically separating the sheet and of simultaneously closing the suction openings 81 to thereby release the sheet. This release and valve action of the cover plates 86 takes place as the cylinders approach and reach their extreme position in a sheet depositing direction as shown in FIGURE 5B. Referring again to FIGURES 8 and 9 it will now be understood that a sheet such as 100 is tensioned in a manner as described and while the sheet is thus controlled its tail end is positioned adjacent the rear end of the delivery pile. At this point in the operation of the present apparatus the grippers 26 engage the fixed earns 31 and the forward end of the sheet is released.

The forward reciprocation of the hollow shaft 64 and associated structure is additionally employed by means of the joggers 104 to place the deposited sheet on the delivery pile as illustrated in FIGURES 10 and 11. The joggers are fixed to the hollow shaft by brackets and as the next sheet 101 is released over the delivery pile the joggers will contact the rear of the preceding sheet 1% extending over the stops 67 and push the same onto the pile to complete the depositing operation.

In order to accommodate sheets of different lengths the present sheet tensioning and control mechanism is adjustable on the shafts 34 and 35 which are rotated simultaneously by actuation of the handle 55. Both shafts have threaded portions at 38 and 39 as described and which engage with the end housings 62 and the slide blocks 68, respectively. Accordingly all the elements of the apparatus can be moved in unison either forwardly for shorter sheets or rearwardly for longer sheets, and thus the stops 67 are accurately positioned for the particular sheet length to be handled by the delivery mechanism.

However, additional structure is necessary for adapting the apparatus so as to handle sheets of different widths. Said structure is shown in FIGURE 7 and consists of a series of valve members 166 located within the cylinders 78 at respective sides of the sheet. Each of the valve members 1% is aligned with a suction opening 81 and the stem it of the member is supported for axial movement by the shaft 77. A pin 1% holds the member in place against the tension of a coil spring fill and each valve member is slotted for receiving a tool such as a screw driver by means of which the operator may depress or release a valve member by turning the same to locate the pin in the groove 111 formed in the rod 77 or locate the pin transversely of the groove. With the pins located in a transverse direction the openings 81 are open and thus a selective number can be so rendered operative depending on the particular width of the sheet.

The invention is not to be limited to or by details of construction of the particular embodiment thereof illustrated by the drawings as various other forms of the device will, of course, be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In sheet delivery mechanism, the combination with conveyor means having grippers for gripping and conveying sheets to a position over a delivery pile, of suction units located in advance of the delivery pile and adapted to engage the sheets as they are conveyed over the delivery pile, supporting means for the units including a hollow shaft having housing members at respective ends, lever members journalled on the hollow shaft and which mount the units for pivotal movement on the hollow shaft as an axis, a pair of adjusting shafts and which carry the housing members respectively, means for reciprocating the adjusting shafts whereby to effect bodily movement of the supporting means and thus the units in the direction of sheet travel at the time the sheet is engaged by the grippers, rack and pinion means associated with the lever members and rendered operative by the bodily movement of the supporting means in the direction of sheet travel for simultaneously effectingpivotal movement of the lever members and thus the units in a direction towards the pile,

and valvemeans automatically operative for terminating the suction action of the units as the same reach their downward position adjacent the delivery pile.

2. Sheet delivery mechanism as defined by claim 1, wherein each housing member has threaded engagement with its respective adjusting shaft, and additionally including means for rotating the adjusting shafts whereby to vary the position of the suction units with respect to the delivery pile to accommodate sheets of di erent lengths.

3. Sheet delivery mechanism as defined byclaim 1, wherein the housing members and the hollow shaft have an air-tight sealed relation with each other, and additionally including means connecting with the housing members for maintaining a sub-atmospheric pressure in the housing members and hollow shaft, and cover plates providing said valve means and which also provide an air-tight connecting chamber between the suction units and the said hollow shaft.

4. In sheet delivery mechanism including chain conveyor means having grippers for conveying a sheet over a delivery pile, in combination, a pair of spaced adjusting shafts mounted for reciprocating movements parallel to the direction of sheet travel, a hollow shaft ex tending transversely and being supported at respective ends by the adjusting shafts, suction holding and depositing units carried by the hollow shaft and being mounted for rotation on the shaft as an axis, means producing rotating movements of the units simultaneously with and as a result of the reciprocating movements of the hollow shaft, and other means connecting the units with the in terior of the hollow shaft, said other means operating automatically as valve means for controlling the suction action of said units.

5. In sheet delivery mechanism including chain conveyor means having grippers for conveying a sheet over a delivery pile, in combination, a pair of spaced adjusting shafts mounted for reciprocating movements parallel to the direction of sheet travel, a hollow shaft extending transversely and being supported at respective ends by the adjusting shafts, said hollow shaft communicating with a source of vacuum, suction holding and depositing units carried by the hollowshaft and being mounted for rotation on the shaft as an axis, means producing rotating movements of the units simultaneously with and as a result of the reciprocating movements of the hollow shaft, each said suction holding and depositing unit including a cy inder having a plurality of openings in the cylindrical Wall thereof, and other means including cover plates providing a connecting chamber for communicating the interior of the units with the interior of the hollow shaft, said cover plates operating automatically as valve means as a result of the rotating movements of the units for opening and closing the said openings in the units whereby to control the suctionaction of the units.

6. In sheet delivery mechanism including chain conveyor means having grippers for conveying a sheet over a delivery pile, in combination, a pair of spaced adjusting shafts mounted for reciprocating movements parallel to the direction of sheet travel, a hollow shaft extending transversely and being supported at respective ends by the adjusting shafts, said hollow shaft communicating with a source of vacuum, a plurality of suction holding and depositing units carried by the hollow shaft and being mounted for rotation in unison on said shaft as an axis, means producing rotating movements of the units simultaneously with and as a result of the reciprocating movements of the hollow shaft, each said suction holding and depositing unit including a cylinder having approximately diametrically disposed openings in the cylindrical wall thereof, other means connecting the hollow shaft with the interior of each cylinder through certain of the openings in the cylinder wall, whereby the remaining openings form suction openings for holding a sheet in contact with the surface of the cylinder, and said other means including cover plates disposed on respective sides of and having sliding contact with the exterior of a cylinder and with the exterior of the hollow shaft, said cover plates operating automatically as valve means as a result of the rotating movements of the cylinders for opening and closing the suction openings whereby to control the suction action of the units.

7. Sheet delivery mechanism as defined by claim 6, wherein each adjusting shaft is threaded and journalled for rotation, and wherein the hollow shaft has threaded connecting relation with the adjusting shafts so that retation thereof will adjustthe position of the hollow shaft and thus the units for accommodating sheets of different lengths.

8. In sheet delivery mechanism, in combination, a shaft extending transversely of the mechanism and being supported for bodily reciprocating movement, at least one suction holding and depositing unit carried by the shaft and being mounted thereon for rotation about the shaft as an axis, means effecting rotating movements of the unit as the shaft is reciprocatecl, whereby the unit moves to and from a sheet engaging and a sheet depositing position, said'unit having an axial row of suction openings for holding a sheet to the unit, and flexible means in connected relation with the unit and operative for maintaining the axial row of suction openings in substantially the same oriented position during the movement of the units to and from sheet engaging and sheet depositing positions.

9. In sheet delivery mechanism, in combination, a shaft extending transversely of the mechanism and being sup ported for bodily reciprocating movement, at least one suction holding and depositing unit carried by the shaft and being mounted thereon for rotation about the shaft as an axis, means effecting rotating movements of the unit as the shaft is reciprocated, whereby the unit moves to and from a sheet engaging position and a sheet depositing position, said unit including a hollow cylinder having an axial row of suction openings in the cylindrical wall thereof for holding a sheet to the cylinder. flexible means in connected relation with the cylinder and operative for maintaining the axial row of suction openings in substantially the same oriented position notwithstanding the movement of the units to and from sheet engaging and sheet depositing positions, and a plate member having contacting relation with the exterior surface of the cylinder and providing valve means for controlling the opening and closing of the suction openings in the cylinder as said movements of the same take place.

10. In sheet delivery mechanism, in combination, a shaft extending transversely of the mechanism and being supported for bodily reciprocating movement, a lever member at respective ends of the shaft and mounted on the shaft for rotation, a rod connecting the levers, at least one suction holding and depositing unit carried by the rod, a spur gear fixed to each lever and encircling the shaft so as to rotate on the shaft, a stationary rack in meshing relation with each spur gear whereby the levers are given rotating movements as the shaft is reciprocated and which effects movement of the unit to and from a sheet engaging position and a sheet depositing position, said unit including a cylinder having a fixed securement to the rod as an axis and said cylinder having an axial row of suction Openings in its cylindrical wall for boldinng a sheet to the cylinder, flexible means in connected relation with the rod and operative for maintaining the axial row of suction openings in substantially the same oriented position during said movement of the units to and from sheet engaging and sheet depositing positions, and a plate member having contacting relation with the exterior surface of the cylinder and providing valve means for controlling the opening and closing of the suction openings in the cylinder as said movements of the same take place.

11. In sheet delivery mechanism, in combination, a hollow shaft extending transversely of the mechanism and being supported for bodily reciprocating movement, a lever member at respective ends of the hollow shaft and mounted on the shaft for rotation, a rod connecting the levers, at least one suction holding and depositing unit carried by the rod, a spur gear fixed to each lever and encircling the shaft so as to rotate on the shaft, a stationary rack in meshing relation with each spur gear whereby the levers are given rotating movements as the shaft is reciprocated and which effects movement of the unit to and from a sheet engaging position and a sheet depositing position, said unit including a cylinder having a fixed securement to the rod as an axis and said cylinder having an axial row of suction openings in its cylindrical wall, a pair of cover plates on respective sides of the cylinder and the hollow shaft and in sliding contact therewith to provide a sealing chamber communicating the hollow shaft with the cylinder, and flexible bands in connected relation with the rod and the hollow shaft and operative for maintaining the axial row of suction openings in substantially the same oriented position during said movement of the cylinder to and from sheet engaging and sheet depositing positions, one of said cover plates providing valve means for controlling the opening and closing of the suction openings in the cylinder as said movements of the same take place.

12. Sheet delivery mechanism as defined by claim 11, wherein the suction openings are open as the cylinder moves from a sheet engaging to a sheet depositing position in which latter position the cover plate is effective to completely close the suction openings, and wherein said cover plate is effective in maintaining the openings closed for a fractional part of the return movement from a sheet depositing to a sheet engaging position.

13. In sheet delivery mechanism including moving conveyor means having grippers for conveying sheets by their forward edge in a fixed path and for releasing the sheets over a delivery pile, the combination with suction holding and depositing units disposed transversely in the path of sheet travel, supporting means for the units in cluding a hollow shaft connecting with a source of subatmospheric pressure, means for reciprocating the hollow shaft in directions parallel to sheet travel, pivot levers mounting the units on the shaft for rotating movements, means producing said rotative movements simultaneously with and as a result of the reciprocating movements of the hollow shaft, whereby the units move to and from a sheet engaging position and a sheet depositing position, other means communicating the units with the hollow shaft, said other means including cover plates disposed on respective sides and contacting the exterior surfaces of the units and the hollow shaft, and one of said cover plates being operative to control the suction action of the units.

14. Sheet delivery mechanism as defined by claim 13, additionally including flexible means connecting with the units and with the hollow shaft whereby the units are maintained in substantially the same oriented position during the movement of the units to and from the sheet engaging and the sheet depositing positions.

15. Sheet delivery mechanism as defined by claim 13, additionally including a plurality of joggers fixed to the hollow shaft and having movement toward and from the rear end of the delivery pile as the shaft is bodily reciprocated.

16. In sheet delivery mechanism as described, a suction unit having operation to engage and deposit sheets upon a delivery pile, said suction unit including a cylinder having an axial row of suction openings in its cylindrical wall, means connecting said cylinder to a source of vacuum whereby said suction openings are rendered effective to cause the sheets to engage the unit, and a series of independent manually operable valves mounted within said cylinder for selectively closing any one or more of the openings in said row of suction openings.

17. In sheet delivery mechanism, the combination with conveyor means having grippers for gripping and conveying sheets to a position over a delivery pile, of suction units located in advance of the delivery pile and adapted to engage the sheets as they are conveyed over the pile, means for effecting bodily movement of the suction units in the direction of sheet travel and also movement simultaneously therewith in a downward direction toward the pile during the time the sheet is engaged by the grippers, and relatively fixed valve means mounted on said units for bodily movement therewith, said valve means being automatically operative to terminate the suction action of the units and to facilitate the separation of the sheets from the units as the same reach their downward position adjacent the delivery pile.

18. In sheet delivery mechanism, the combination with conveyor means having grippers for gripping and conveying sheets to a position over a delivery pile, of suction units located in advance of the delivery pile and adapted to engage the sheets as they are conveyed over the pile, reciprocating means for effecting bodily movement of the suction units in the direction of sheet travel during the time the sheet is engaged by the grippers, a relatively fixed rack, pinion means meshing with said rack and operative upon bodily movement of the units in the direction of sheet travel for effecting pivotal movement of the suction units in a direction towards the pile, and relatively fixed valve means mounted on said units for bodily movement therewith, said valve means being automatically operative to terminate the suction action of the units and to facilitate the separation of the sheets from the units as the same reach their downward position adjacent the delivery pile.

19. In sheet delivery mechanism, the combination with conveyor means having grippers for gripping and conveying sheets to a position over a delivery pile, of suction units located in advance of the delivery pile and adapted to engage the sheets as they are conveyed over the pile, a supporting shaft for the units, members mounting the units for pivotal movement about the supporting shaft 3,1se,5 1 It as an axis, means for reciprocating the supporting shaft to effect bodily movement of the units in the direction of I sheet travel during the time the sheet is engaged by the grippers, a rack and a coacting pinion operative upon bodily movement of the supporting shaft in the direction 5 of sheet travel to effect simultaneous pivotal movement of the units in a direction toward the pile, and relatively fixed valve means having bodily movement with said 7 units and automatically operative for terminating the suction action of the units as the same reach their down- 0 Ward position adjacent the delivery pile.

7 References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Annand June 16, 1903 Barnett Aug. 21, 1906 Rineer Sept. 21, 1954 Blattner et a1. May 27, 1958 Matzen Dec. 1, 1959 Yingling et a1 June 28, 1960 

1. IN SHEET DELIVERY MECHANISM, THE COMBINATION WITH CONVEYOR MEANS HAVING GRIPPERS FOR GRIPPING AND CONVEYING SHEETS TO A POSITION OVER A DELIVERY PILE, OF SUCTION UNITS LOCATED IN ADVANCE OF THE DELIVERY PILE AND ADAPTED TO ENGAGE THE SHEETS AS THEY ARE CONVEYED OVER THE DELIVERY PILE, SUPPORTING MEANS FOR THE UNITS INCLUDING A HOLLOW SHAFT HAVING HOUSING MEMBERS AT RESPECTIVE ENDS, LEVER MEMBERS JOURNALLED ON THE HOLLOW SHAFT AND WHICH MOUNT THE UNITS FOR PIVOTAL MOVEMENT ON THE HOLLOW SHAFT AS AN AXIS, A PAIR OF ADJUSTING SHAFTS AND WHICH CARRY THE HOUSING MEMBERS RESPECTIVELY, MEANS FOR RECIPROCATING THE ADJUSTING SHAFTS WHEREBY TO EFFECT BODILY MOVEMENT OF THE SUPPORTING MEANS AND THUS THE UNITS IN THE DIRECTION OF SHEET TRAVEL AT THE TIME THE SHEET IS ENGAGED BY THE GRIPPERS, RACK AND PINION MEANS ASSOCIATED WITH THE LEVER MEMBERS AND RENDERED OPERATIVE BY THE BODILY MOVEMENT OF THE SUPPORTING MEANS IN THE DIRECTION OF SHEET TRAVEL FOR SIMULTANEOUSLY EFFECTING PIVOTAL MOVEMENT OF THE LEVER MEMBERS AND THUS THE UNITS IN A DIRECTION TOWARDS THE PILE, AND VALVE MEANS AUTOMATICALLY OPERATIVE FOR TERMINATING THE SUCTION ACTION OF THE UNITS AS THE SAME REACH THEIR DOWNWARD POSITION ADJACENT THE DELIVERY PILE. 